OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

Enterprise, Alabama is known for having a monument to an agricultural pest – the boll weevil. In 1915, the “pest” invaded the area and destroyed their only crop – cotton. This disaster left the farmers destitute and nearly hopeless. However, in 1917 the county produced and harvested more peanuts than any other county in the nation.

The monument, erected in 1919, stands in the center of the downtown district as a symbol of their willingness and ability to adjust to and overcome adversity. The residents are quick and proud to remind visitors of the lessons they learned from the boll weevil.

One resident said, “There was a time when we had one crop – cotton; the boll weevil destroyed it. Then we were forced to diversify. Now we are doing better than ever. The boll weevil was a blessing in disguise.”

Paul said, “We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us to develop endurance.” Difficulties are not to be dreaded. They are to be accepted as unique opportunities that God brings into our lives as challenges to help us “diversify” – to develop all of the skills and talents God has given us.

Prayer: Lord, help us to trust in Your goodness and grace, believing that all of the obstacles in our lives are gifts from You. Help us to accept them willingly and grow through them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. Romans 5:3